My optician has warned me that I'm showing the early signs of cataracts in both eyes and that eventually I may have to undergo surgery. However, the owner of my local health food store has informed me that it may be possible to stall its progress with a cocktail of vitamin and herbal supplements. As this is going to be costly, I wanted to get a second opinion. In your view, are there any supplements that can help or am I wasting my money?

Cataracts are a clouding of the normally transparent lens of the eye, usually due to lens proteins becoming oxidised and denatured. As with many degenerative conditions, cataracts are easier to prevent than to cure. Conventional treatment usually involves laser surgery; however some early stage cataracts have reportedly been reversed through nutritional and lifestyle changes alone.

While cataracts are part of the natural ageing process, certain factors can contribute to lens oxidation including long-term exposure to strong UV light (cataracts are a major cause of blindness in the tropics). Sun-worshippers are therefore at increased risk - it's also worth asking your optician about UV filtering glasses and contact lenses. Any activity that increases free-radicals in the body such as smoking will also speed up the oxidation process.

In terms of diet, avoid sugary and fried foods and hydrogenated fats, and increase colourful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as berries, red & yellow peppers and leafy greens. Betacarotene is an antioxidant with particular affinity for the eye, found in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, leafy greens and oily fish. Foods high in Vitamins C, E and Selenium also support the eye.

Zeaxanthin, Lutein and Lycopene are types of antioxidant that are thought to provide extra protection against cataracts. Lycopene is particularly rich in cooked or tinned tomatoes and tomato paste; Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in vegetables with red, orange, and yellow pigments such as tomatoes, carrots, squash, plus leafy greens, algae, egg yolks and yellow flowers including marigold.

In terms of supplements, I would recommend Eyecare, which has a good mix of the above nutrients, plus Vitamin C Powder 1g daily, both by Biocare, available from healthfood shops. Spirulina powder added to smoothies would also help to boost levels of Betacarotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, available from Xynergy Health Products www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858.

Stella New RSHom is a registered homeopath and dietary therapist based in West Sussex. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk